United States-based dancehall/reggae act Zally is appealing for unity in his latest single One World .

“I really hope the message in this song does not fall on deaf ears as we need unity, trust and respect in this world. We need to oppose the negative principles that are oftentimes promoted by society,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

One World also explores the issues of brutality and racism.

The Rastafarian singjay said, like his previous releases, he has high expectations for the song.

“Success for me doesn’t necessarily mean it will win a Grammy or top world charts, but that the message heals the heart of its listeners. I want it to leave a positive impact on the world and its lyrics be fresh in the minds of listeners five decades from now,” said Zally.

One World was released on September 5 and produced by Altafaan Records.

Zally, given name Albato Watt, hails from Papine in St Andrew, but migrated to South Florida in the United States in the early 1990s. He said his musical interest began after he heard the music of Charlie Chaplin, Major Mackerel, Papa San and Capleton.

“As a teenager growing up in Papine, I used to hang around several different sound systems in the neighbourhood and vibing with the best of the best. During that era, there was not violence or animosity among artistes or musicians. You could go to almost any session anywhere, get on the mic, and rock the place,” he said.

Shortly after entering the United States, Zally began performing at several reggae concerts including the Bob Marley Festival in 1997 and His Imperial Majesty’s Coronation concert at the House Of Blues in Hollywood, California.

The entertainer is currently busy in the recording studio laying the tracks for his upcoming seven-track EP.

“This EP is going to leave its imprint on the industry. The tracks are all banging and will show that dancehall can be fun and loving and not mean and grimy,” he said.

— Simone Morgan-Lindo